On Tuesday, January 16, commencing at 4:10 p.m. (11:10 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting and joint press occasion with H.E. Mr. Klaus-Werner Iohannis, President of Romania, during his visit to Romania. The overview is as follows.

1. Opening remarks

At the beginning, President Iohannis welcomed Prime Minister Abe as the first Japanese prime minister to visit Romania, explained that the year 2018 is the 100th anniversary of Romania as a modern nation, and stated that he hopes to use this visit as an opportunity to further advance the relationship between the two countries. Prime Minister Abe stated that Romania is an important partner that shares fundamental values with Japan and is situated in a strategic geographical location in Europe, and explained that he intends to cooperate closely on the various challenges facing the international community, beginning with the North Korea problem. In addition, he stated that Japan will further enhance its cooperation with Romania in various fields including economic and security issues.

2. Bilateral relations

With regard to the bilateral relationship, Prime Minister Abe noted that the increasing closeness of the economic relationship is remarkable and many Japanese companies has been setting up businesses in Romania, and explained that as the largest investor from Asia in Romania, Japan has created jobs for around 40,000 people. Prime Minister Abe stated that he intends to steadily advance the “Bucharest International Airport Rail Access Link Project,” a yen loan project, and make it a symbol of the amicable relationship between the two countries. In addition, Prime Minister Abe conveyed Japan’s decision on a visa waiver arrangement aimed at invigorating people-to-people exchanges.

In response, President Iohannis welcomed that Japanese companies have been establishing businesses in Romania, and the decision on the visa waiver arrangement.

3. Japan-European Union (EU) relations

With regard to Japan-EU relations, Prime Minister Abe emphasized the importance of Europe maintaining its solidarity, strengthening its unity, and steadily promoting integration going forward also. In addition, the two leaders shared the view that, amid the rise of protectionism around the globe, the conclusion of the negotiation on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) demonstrates to the world the unwavering political will of Japan and the EU to keep the flag of free trade waving high. They agreed to continue to work together on the early signing and entry into force of the Japan-EU EPA.

4. North Korea

With regard to the North Korea issue, the two leaders shared the view that they will never accept nuclear-armed North Korea and that it will be necessary to use all means to maximize pressure, including full implementation of the latest United Nations Security Council resolutions, in order to make North Korea change its policies. In addition, Prime Minister Abe and President Iohannis shared recognition on the importance of promptly resolving the abductions issue.

5. Other

The two leaders also confirmed that amid the challenges facing the international order based on the rule of law, Japan and Europe, which share fundamental values, should together engage in maintaining and strengthening that order as an issue of utmost importance on the diplomacy and security front.